An NGO has warned that millions of seniors suffer from anxiety and sadness in a hidden mental health epidemic.
Since 2015, hospital admissions for eating disorders among women over 60 have quadrupled, according to Age UK.
In the same period, the number of people receiving treatment for self-harm has increased by about 50 percent, according to government statistics.
According to the charity, these “heartbreaking” statistics demonstrate that older adults’ mental health has been ignored for decades.
It warned that the crisis will worsen in winter, with millions of individuals concerned about rising energy and food costs.
Age UK’s Charity Director, Caroline Abrahams, believes the pandemic has aggravated the problem.
She stated that feeling depressed or nervous should not be considered a natural aspect of aging and recommended anyone feeling out of sorts consult a physician.
She remarked, “It’s distressing to think that some elderly individuals may be enduring anxiety, depression, or serious mental health issues but, for whatever reason, are not seeking the treatment they need and deserve.
She said that NHS talking treatments had a better success rate for older patients than for younger patients, although older patients are often under-referred. Despite comprising one-fifth of the population, just 5.6% of referrals to NHS talking therapies in 2016 were for individuals over 65.
On World Mental Health Day, Age UK called for the elderly to receive equal treatment for mental and physical problems.
According to NHS Digital data, hospital admissions for self-harm among women over 60 increased from 5,501 in 2015 to 7,515 in 2019.
The number of individuals admitted for eating disorders rose from 52 in 2015 to 92 four years later, with specialists speculating that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
A government official stated, “By 2024, we will invest an additional £2.3 billion annually in mental health services, assisting two million more people.”
As outlined in Our Plan for Patients, we will increase the provision of mental health assistance for individuals of all ages, including access to NHS talking therapies, so they can receive care when they need it.
Nationally, the NHS is implementing a program to aid individuals with anxiety and depression in returning to work. 700 employment advisors will collaborate with therapists to assist up to 100,000 people each year in finding employment, as part of a £122 million package launched by the government.
Health Secretary Theresa Coffey stated, “Offering employment support to persons under the care of NHS mental health services will help them start, remain, and succeed in the workforce, thereby enhancing their well-being and resiliency and boosting our economy.”
